Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender penne pasta, shredded chicken, and a creamy buffalo sauce mixture, all topped with melted Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses for a spicy, cheesy delight.
- Author: mia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Dry Ingredients
- 12 ounces Penne Pasta
- 2 Tablespoons Ranch Seasoning Mix
Dairy
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese (softened)
- 1/3 cup Milk
- 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
Meat
- 3 cups Cooked Shredded Chicken
Condiments & Sauces
- 1/2 cup Buffalo Sauce (divided)
Produce
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the penne pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cool water to stop cooking, and set aside.
- Mix Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, milk, and 1/4 cup of the buffalo sauce until smooth and well blended.
- Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Cheese: Add the cooked shredded chicken, cooked pasta, and half of both shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses into the sauce mixture. Stir thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the remaining 1/4 cup buffalo sauce evenly over the top. Then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheeses on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through and the cheese on top is fully melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Finally, sprinkle with sliced green onions before serving for a fresh finish.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to control the spice level.
- For extra creaminess, you may add a splash more milk if the sauce feels thick before baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated well the next day.
- This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables.
Keywords: Buffalo chicken pasta bake, cheesy buffalo chicken casserole, creamy buffalo chicken pasta, spicy pasta bake, comfort food